Prednisolone Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 31, 2023.

Applies to prednisolone ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution, ophthalmic suspension.

Precautions

Your eye doctor will want to examine your eyes at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects, especially if you will be using this medicine for 10 days or longer.

This medicine is not for long-term use. Steroid eye drops may cause glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye) or posterior subcapsular cataracts (a rare type of cataract) if used too long. Slow or delayed healing may also occur while you are using this medicine after cataract surgery. You will need to have regular eye exams with your doctor to check for these problems.

This medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after using this medicine.

Do not stop using Omnipred® eye drops suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

If your symptoms do not improve after 2 days or if they become worse, check with your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) right away.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, prednisolone ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking prednisolone ophthalmic:

Other side effects

Some side effects of prednisolone ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

See also:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to prednisolone ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution, ophthalmic suspension.

General adverse events

While the exact frequency of the reported side effects is unknown, the manufacturer reports the following in decreasing order of frequency: elevation of intraocular pressure with possible development of glaucoma and infrequent optic nerve damage, posterior subcapsular cataract formation, and delayed wound healing.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Filtering bleb
• Frequency not reported: Intraocular pressure increased, glaucoma, optic nerve damage, posterior subcapsular cataract formation, acute anterior uveitis, perforation of globe, keratitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, mydriasis, conjunctival hyperemia, ptosis, loss of accommodation, secondary ocular infection developed, visual acuity defect, field defect, transient ocular discomfort, ocular hypertension, scleral/corneal perforation, foreign body sensation, burning, stinging, irritation, vision blurred/impaired, corneal calcification^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, pruritus, rash^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction, anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Wound healing delayed^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Headache^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Systemic hypercorticoidism^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Dysgeusia^[Ref]

Further information

Prednisolone ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer